Over half of men say relationships negatively impacted by menopause

Menopause Hub says its survey of almost 500 men highlights the challenging impact on couples

A recent survey has shown that nearly 60 per cent of men in Ireland believe their relationship has been negatively impacted by menopause. The research was conducted by the Menopause Hub, which gathers data every year via an annual online survey.

The Menopause Hub is Ireland’s first dedicated clinic devoted to treating menopausal and perimenopausal symptoms, and has several clinics in counties Dublin and Cork. Its sister organisation, The Menopause Hub Academy, provides workplace training, policy development, and accreditation.

This year, the survey was targeted uniquely at men in order to gain insight into their understanding of menopause and the debilitating symptoms which many women have to endure.

Almost 500 men completed the survey in total. The majority had been negatively impacted by menopause in some fashion. Over half of respondents reported that menopause and its symptoms have had a negative effect on their sex lives, and almost one-in-10 admitted they had considered ending the relationship.

Menopause Hub CEO Loretta Dignam said that while the results are “encouraging” overall, the survey highlights the strain menopause places on relationships and the need for women to talk openly about the effects it has on intimacy. “Nearly 10 per cent of men surveyed said they considered leaving the relationship, so it shows that menopause can be an extremely difficult time for both people,” she said. Ms Dignam also welcomed findings showing that men want to know more about menopause and its symptoms.

A total of 56 per cent of men said they would be willing to join workshops or educational programmes to better understand what their partners go through. More than 70 per cent called for more information on menopause.

The majority of those surveyed agreed that menopause was a “challenging time for women” and were able to list at least one symptom, including hot flushes, loss of libido, mood swings, and extreme fatigue.

Ms Dignam added: “A total of 80 per cent of men say they feel comfortable talking about menopause and 70 per cent say they feel they can provide emotional support, so women have the responsibility to seek help and engagement with men and be open on how they are feeling.

“The male respondents see menopause as a challenging time for women, particularly physically and emotionally, and the fact they recognise that menopause can be such an issue for a woman in all aspects of her life and career is positive, as debilitating symptoms can lead to women having to leave a job they love.

“I was surprised and encouraged at the level of understanding that men said they had about menopause in the survey, which was much better than I had anticipated. I’m very heartened that it shows women have male allies when they try and navigate their menopause journey, which can also hugely impact personal and working lives.”

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